I’ve received numerous DMs on my Instagram about our holiday, so I’m excited to share all the details, including the cost, in this blog post.
Last year, while lounging on the beach in Salou, I booked our holiday for April 25th for a week. I opted for self-catering initially, booking with Thomas Cook for its no deposit and direct debit payment options. I appreciate package holidays for their inclusive nature, covering luggage and transfers.
However, a system glitch turned my booking into an all-inclusive holiday, and I only paid £529. Several months later, I received an email from Thomas Cook notifying me of changes to my flights. Upon inspection, I discovered they had shifted my morning flight to an evening one, causing some frustration. My preference for morning flights stems from wanting my daughter to sleep during the journey.
Upon reaching out to Thomas Cook, I was informed that I had the option to alter the dates of my holiday, allowing for an earlier flight. Eager to seize the opportunity, I agreed to the change. The silver lining, however, was that the adjusted flights were more economical, resulting in a total payment of £470.48. Once again, I was overjoyed with the unexpected savings.
Travel Adventure: Day 1
Living near Victoria Coach Station proved to be a stroke of luck as I opted for a budget-friendly £5 Uber ride to reach the station. From there, I boarded a £7 coach headed to Gatwick Airport. Choosing this cost-effective option over a taxi, which would have exceeded £50, proved to be a wise decision. A valuable tip for fellow travelers: always opt for an open return when journeying by coach, as flight disruptions can occur unexpectedly.
In a first-ever move, I left the iPad at home. Surprisingly, Little Miss managed just fine on the plane with snacks and play-doh, even striking up a friendship with another young traveler. However, their play-doh creativity resulted in a bit of a mess, sparking thoughts that it might become the next item on the banned list for planes!
The coach transfer, included in the super affordable package, alleviated one more concern. A quick journey of under an hour brought us to our destination. Our accommodation, named Altamar, lives up to its name – truly beautiful.
Day 2 and 3: Unwinding and Ocean Wonders
The second day unfolded at a leisurely pace. We started with a visit to the beach in the morning, navigating a steep descent along a lengthy, winding road (a taxi became a necessity for the uphill journey back). The beach proved delightful, offering a perfect setting for the kids to thoroughly enjoy themselves.
As evening descended, we ventured to the Moonlight Cinema, a unique outdoor venue and the sole permanent one in Europe. Our movie choice was the heartwarming “Instant Family,” a film that warrants keeping tissues handy 😭😀. The captivating atmosphere, enhanced by the starlit sky, made the experience even more special. Blankets provided by the cinema staff added to the coziness. While our visit was a kind gift, I can honestly say that I would gladly pay for such an enchanting movie night again.
Day 3 unfolded as an absolute delight! Our first excursion led us to encounter a pod of DOLPHINS 😭😍😍🐬. Though whales and turtles were mentioned as part of the package, spotting them was a rarity. The sheer abundance of beautiful dolphins and the sighting of two turtles made the experience truly fabulous. Witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, an experience that cost just €35 (with the kids enjoying free admission), left us in awe. The package even included a convenient coach service to and from our hotel.
Day 4: A Day of Sun, Sand, and Serenity
Today’s narrative is succinct as we immersed ourselves in the simple pleasures of the beach and pool. However, to supplement the brevity, I’m sharing a fabulous picture from our day. This time, we explored a different beach, and I’ll delve into the details of our beach experiences and provide a map in subsequent discussions.
Day 5: Playa de Mogan Adventure
Nestled at the base of the ravine in Puerto de Mogan, often referred to as Gran Canaria’s “Little Venice,” Playa de Mogan is a serene man-made beach. This hidden gem provides a perfect escape for those eager to discover the beauty of the Atlantic in the Canary Islands.
Our journey to Playa de Mogan was by ferry, offering a delightful experience at a cost of €12 for a round trip, with the added perk of free admission for the kids. Fridays bring an extra charm to this destination with a bustling market offering a diverse array of items, from clothing and fans to unique gifts and delectable food.
The visual allure of this particular region in Gran Canaria was truly captivating, making it a destination I wholeheartedly recommend for exploration.
Day 6: Adventure at Angry Birds Activity Park
Our day kicked off with a visit to the Angry Birds Activity Park, and one notable aspect I appreciated was that the ticket granted us access for the entire day, offering the flexibility to come and go as we pleased.
The park offers a variety of activities, including:
Mini golf
Soft play
Trampolines
Laser maze
Zip wires
Pedal cars, and more!
It’s an ideal spot for children, providing a range of engaging options. While personally, I lean towards the opinion that adults shouldn’t be charged, considering it’s primarily tailored for kids, I still find it worthy of recommendation for the younger members of the family.
Anfi Beach: A Highly Recommended Gem
Numerous recommendations led us to explore Anfi Beach, often dubbed “The Caribbean beach” for its white sand, albeit with a touch of greyish hue. Despite the playful jest about the color, the beach’s beauty was undeniable. Among the three beaches we visited, this one stood out as my absolute favorite.
All-Inclusive Experience
Contrary to my initial booking preference, I ended up with an all-inclusive package.
The food was decent, though nothing particularly remarkable, and the beverage options were somewhat limited. However, considering this was essentially free, I find it challenging to voice any significant complaints.
Hotel Entertainment
Unfortunately, the hotel entertainment left much to be desired. I sincerely hope the management reconsiders the individuals responsible for organizing children’s activities, as they didn’t seem enthusiastic about being around kids at all.
Overall, the holiday was enjoyable. While we won’t return to the same location, it was a memorable experience, and I look forward to exploring new destinations in the future.
